Can African Butterfly Fish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) Live Together?

African Butterfly Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This modest difference means Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) may occasionally assert dominance over African Butterfly Fish.

In terms of spatial distribution, African Butterfly Fish prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: African Butterfly Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, African Butterfly Fish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both African Butterfly Fish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house African Butterfly Fish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Floating, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

African Butterfly Fish prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.